Mackley & Studdert has been the name of the opticians in the village as long as most of us can remember. Neil Mackley took over from an ailing Mr Studdert in 1979 but kept the name and expanded his premises, from upstairs in the Westminster Bank building to the ground floor corner of Main Street and Brewery Lane. Neil has gazed into the eyes of many Ponteland residents but he decided it was time to go into semi-retirement and he has sold the business to another optician in the village, Geoff Steven of Merton Way. He will however continue to work part-time, three days a week, for Steven who has moved into the Main Street premises.
At the age of 62 years Neil says he will find more time for Rotary activities, practice his bowling and go off travelling with his wife Mary. She has been very helpful at looking after the upkeep of the premises and making sure everything was in working order. We wish them both well.
